Light of Epertase 01: Legends Reborn Read Online Free Page B

pushed toward it. Most of the morning passed before the root came within reach of his newest limbs. He dug his nails in for one last thrust toward freedom. His straps released and stretched for the root. But then, with freedom so close, his weakened toes gave way and his weight wrenched against his fingers and good shoulder. His hand ripped free. He had time for one thought.
    I’ve lost.
    Just as he began to fall, the skin on his back tugged at his bone, jarring him to a stop. He peered over his shoulder toward the suns’ light and the single strap that hung onto the root. He dug his fingers into the crevices again. Another strap reached over the edge of the hole and grasped something, maybe another root. With a strong thrust, Rasi pulled to freedom.
    He flopped onto his back and inhaled delicious gulps of the fresh, frigid air. His pupils constricted in the brightness, struggling to recapture their focus.

C HAPTER 5

T HE H ARDEST L OSS
    The two suns streaked across the sky, disappeared over the edge of the world, and rose again while Rasi traveled through the treacherous mountain terrain. He didn’t eat. He didn’t rest. He did nothing but press onward toward the setting suns and Thasula.
    The snow fell sideways and pounded against his tired body and face, blinding him and burying the ground beneath an ocean of white. His bare feet hid below the surface and he wondered why they hadn’t turned black and dead in the cold. His face was flush; his body was feverish.
    Finally, Rasi approached the base of a familiar mountain. The maps called it Widow’s Run, he knew from his war studies. That meant Shadows Peak and the Forest of Concore at its base weren’t much farther. Another day’s walk and I’ll be home, my love.
    His burning legs begged him to stop, to rest, if only for a moment, but he refused. By evening, the snow had let up enough that he saw Shadows Peak in the distance.
    As he entered a clearing between the mountains, his straps grew tense. He stopped as he, too, sensed that he was no longer alone. He had sensed that he was being followed for quite some time.
    His secret pursuer announced his arrival, ending the game. “Rasi,” he shouted. “Turn and face me.”
    Rasi slowly turned. He didn’t know the hulk of a man, nor did he much care to. He scowled at the stranger. Anything or anyone who came between him and his destination was about to regret that choice.
    The man moved cautiously forward until Rasi could see the scars on his face. The straps flared out around the threat. The man watched them closely from the corner of his eyes.
    Something glistened at the stranger’s side and he grinned at Rasi’s recognition of it. No use hiding it now. He shed his long winter fur, revealing a blade protruding from his elbow in place of his right arm.
    “Good soldier,” he said. “Always sizing up your enemy.”
    “I hathn’t dime thor you,” Rasi muttered, barely understanding his own garbled words.
    “You hathn’t dime? What? The mighty Rasi can’t speak?” The stranger scanned him from feet to head and back down again. He smirked. “The scout said you killed the rashta but I didn’t believe it. Elijah sent me to make sure you didn’t escape the pit, yet here you are.”
    Rasi ignored his taunts and turned away. “I hab bidnis.”
    “What’s your hurry?” the stranger said. “I’ve already paid a visit to your lovely wife.” While those words pierced Rasi’s heart, a bloody scarf landed in the snow at his feet. The stranger licked his lips. “Tasty.”
    Rasi choked back a mouthful of raw stomach acid. He recognized the scarf, a gift he had once given Edonea. An animalistic growl escaped his throat and he gnashed his teeth together.
    There will be no mercy this day. He leaped at his foe. The big man was fast, faster than his size led Rasi to believe. Rasi dodged the beast’s massive arm as it whizzed past. Rasi crashed his fist into the man’s jaw with a dull thud, winced and pulled his